The men's race resembled a road race: Despite numerous attacks, no one was able to break away to any significant extent. It was not until 25 kilometers before the finish that a larger leading group was reduced to 12 riders on an asphalt climb, including the Swiss riders Kugler, Spaeth and Roman Peter. A few kilometers before the finish, the eventual winner Genze attacked on a steep climb. Only Andreas Kugler was able to catch up with the German later on, but was beaten in the sprint. In the battle for the bronze medal, Sandro Spaeth was able to distance himself from the French defending champion Thomas Dietsch on the final climb.

Ranking list European Marathon Championships, men
1st Hannes Genze (GER) 4:31:36
2nd Andreas Kugler (SUI) 4:31:37
3rd Sandro Späth (SUI) 4:31:57
4th Thomas Dietsch (FRA) 4:32:09
5th Martin Kraler (AUT) 4:32:28
6th Thomas Nicke (GER)
8th Karl Platt (GER)

Ranking list European Marathon Championships, women
1st Pia Sundstedt (FIN)
2. Birgit Jüngst (GER)
3. Blaza Klemencic (SLO)
4th Sandra Klose (GER)
5. Anna Enocsson (SWE)
6. Dolores Mächler-Rupp (SUI)
7th Esther Süss (SUI)
9th Daniela Louis (SUI)